Dietary Manager

Company: Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority
Location: Cherokee
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Primary Function In coordination with the Executive Chef, manages and directs all functions of the Dietary department, including but not limited to: budgeting; ordering and preparing food under sanitary conditions in accordance with established policies; developing patient menus in accordance with nutritive guidelines; collaborating with the Nutrition department, Inpatient units, and Emergency department; having extensive knowledge of IDDSI textures and therapeutic diets; and ensuring the department is compliant with all Joint Commission and Health Department standards. Job Description Plans the sequence of operations and determines priority order in which work is to be accomplished, specifies types and quantities of personnel, equipment and supplies needed to accomplish the work. On the basis of work to be accomplished and the abilities of subordinate staff, determines how each assignment will be done. Coordinates work between his/her organization and with other functions affected by his/her operations. Selects employees for staffing the department, based on Personnel Office referrals. Initiates recommendations for promotion, incentive awards, and reassignment of subordinates. Will perform evaluations on all dietary staff as “Business Unit Leader”. Selects individual employees, primarily in-patient staff, for assignment to specific jobs based on ability and availability. Directs subordinates in methods to be used in accomplishing assignments, standards or production, and schedules to be met. Organizes work to be accomplished, utilizing in-patient, dietary employees to maintain patient meal schedules and provide nutritionally correct meals for hospital and RTYC patients. Provides technical instruction to subordinates on difficult or new tasks and must be able to demonstrate proper method to accomplish the task. Responsible for ordering supplies and equipment, receiving delivery and assuring proper condition and amount, and following up on delayed delivery of supplies and/or equipment. Works with staff on special events and catering of food in absence of Chef Manager. Will also assist the Employees Association in planning and providing food for social functions in absence of Chef Manager. In conjunction with the Chef Manager, establishes performance standards for subordinates and, according to CIHA personal policies, appraises performance of subordinates. Prepares justification for “exceptional performance” and “needs improvement” performance ratings; recommends disciplinary actions, commendations, reprimands, and separations to supervisor. Checks work of subordinates to ensure instructions and establish policies and practices of the trade. Investigates and implements means of reducing cost of operations by making studies of basic procedures and work flow, timing and sequence of steps in work operations, conservation of materials and supplies, utilization of personnel and number of personnel needed to accomplish work, care and maintenance of equipment, possible changes in work operations to allow more economical operations, use of specialized equipment or tools, and the proper distribution of work to subordinates supervised. Determines training needs, arranges for training, and plans training programs, primarily for in-patient staff. Cooperates in career planning and keeps aware of existing opportunities to improve the competence of subordinates. Provides on-the-job training for new employees. Conducts management appraisal studies on questions of work simplification, work flow, regrouping of tasks, staffing requirements, adequacy of equipment, and layout of work area. Takes necessary action to implement improvements. Establishes housekeeping and other rules and regulations pertinent to dietary functions. Interprets rules and regulations governing personnel actions, conduct, safety, fire, care of equipment and others to subordinates. Assures understanding and observance of rules and regulations by subordinates. Counsels and considers appropriate actions for all informal and formal complaints of subordinates. For in-patient staff: schedules and approves leave, identifies leave abuses, and takes necessary steps to correct individual cases. Analyzes existing work situation in order to contribute to overall job requirements. Advises subordinates of any changes or proposed changes, in plans, policies and procedures for the dietary unit. Initiates and maintains production and personnel records in accordance with hospital policies and procedures for the dietary unit. Ensures nutrition requirements set forth by CIHA nutritionists are met for patient meals. Aligns services with CIHA guiding principles by endeavoring to make CIHA the leader in the region for patient meals by delivering high quality meals with a high level of service. Other related duties as assigned by supervisor. Education/Experience Must have ONE of the following: Be a certified dietary manager (CDM, CFPP). Be a certified food service manager (CFPM) with minimum 2 years’ experience in a healthcare setting. Have an associate’s degree or higher in foodservice management, hospitality, or a related field, from an accredited institution of higher learning. Have 4 or more years of experience in the position of dietary (food service) manager in a nursing facility setting. ServSafe Manager certification required. Must have 2 years institutional cooking experience. Confidential Data The Privacy Act of 1974 mandates that the incumbent shall maintain confidentiality of all pertinent patient information that comes to his/her attention. The Privacy Act carries both civil and criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure of knowledge. Contacts with Others The incumbent will be in contact with coworkers, patients, dietitian, and other department staff including nursing. Environment The work area is often warm, noisy, and cramped. There are possibilities for being cut, burnt, or scalded due to the necessity of working in the kitchen. There is also a danger of slipping on the floor due to food or liquid spills. Hazards The work involved may expose employee to communicable diseases. Employees must be familiar and comply with NC Statutes relating to food service work and federal and state regulations pertaining to occupational safety and health, infection control, EPA standards, and HIPAA regulations. Employee must have annual TB test and mandatory Hepatitis A series. Customer Service Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.

Keywords: Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, Gastonia , Dietary Manager, Hospitality & Tourism , Cherokee, North Carolina